Daily Archive : Saturday June 15, 2013

News

Iran reformists dance in streets for new president Associated PressWild celebrations broke out on Tehran streets that were battlefields four years ago as reformist-backed Hasan Rowhani capped a stunning surge to claim Iran's presidency on Saturday, throwing open the political order after relentless crackdowns by hard-liners to consolidate and safeguard their grip on power.

Kitchen fire leaves Libertyville home uninhabitable
By Jessica CilellaA kitchen fire left a Libertyville home uninhabitable Saturday evening, according to officials. The fire started around 6:45 p.m. at a home in the 200 block of North Butterfield Road, said Bob Key, assistant fire chief for the Libertyville Fire Department.

North Korea proposes talks with Washington
Associated PressNorth Korea’s top government body is proposing high-level nuclear and security talks with the United States days after a planned meeting with rival South Korea collapsed.

Cary police search for woman missing 14 years
By Elena Ferrarin Cary police searched Saturday for a Chicago woman who went missing in the area 14 years ago, authorities said. Cary fire and police officials, along with the Illinois State Police, began searching the area early Saturday by Jack’s Channel, off the Fox River near the Arlington Club subdivision in the 200 block of Northwest Highway, authorities said.

Superheroes race through Mt. Prospect for fun run
By Jake GriffinCapes kind of get in the way of stretching out before a run. But that didn’t stop several superhero costume-clad joggers from limbering up before Saturday morning’s “Super Strive for 5” run at Mount Prospect’s Lions Park.

West Chicago resurrects Mexican Independence festivitiesBy Bob Smith
Just a year after a lack of interest and support forced West Chicago to scrap plans to celebrate Mexican Independence Day, a re-energized group of volunteers is working to revive the tradition and pump new life into the daylong party. Valeria Lopez, who heads the organizing committee that formed earlier this year, says the celebration of Mexican history, culture and pride will go on from noon to...

Fire near downtown Indy forces evacuations
Associated PressAuthorities say a fire that engulfed a sprawling building near downtown Indianapolis has prompted the evacuation of a five-block area and rattled surrounding neighborhoods with exploding propane tanks.

Chicago joins growing club of bike-sharing cities
By Jason KeyserThe newest piece of Chicago’s vast transit puzzle will not rumble between skyscrapers on its 100-year-old elevated rail lines or utilize its fleet of hybrid buses. The city is turning to thousands of shared bicycles to send commuters and visitors zipping on their way. The program, named Divvy to represent its divide and share principle, launches June 28. Divvy will start with about 750 bikes at...

Lisle renters finally back home after April flood
By Marie WilsonElva Rodriguez donned a new black T-shirt with enthusiasm Saturday as she moved back into her apartment at the Towers at Four Lakes in Lisle for the first time after a nearly two-month exile caused by the April floods. “There’s no place like HOME,” the shirt read. “It really did feel like it was home,” Rodriguez said.

Notable deaths last weekFrom news wire reportsJapan’s Jiroemon Kimura, recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest man in recorded history, has died at the age of 116.Kimura died of natural causes in a hospital in his hometown of Kyotango, western Japan.

Pakistan bomb attack kills university women; gunfight at hospital
Associated PressThe deadliest attack Saturday took place in the provincial capital of Quetta and appeared to target minority Shiites. A blast ripped through a bus carrying female university students, killing at least 14 people, said the head of police operations, Fayaz Sumbal.

U.S. respects Iran election results
Associated PressOffering praise for Iranians and reproaching their government, the Obama administration said Saturday it respected the results of a presidential election conducted under restrictive conditions.

Riot police descend on protesters in Istanbul park
Associated PressWithin a half-hour, the sweep by white-helmeted riot police had emptied the park, leaving a series of colorful, abandoned tents behind. Bulldozers moved in afterward, scooping up debris as crews of workmen in hard hats and fluorescent yellow vests tore down the tents.

Roadside bomb kills 5 police in Afghanistan
Associated PressBombings, assassinations and gun battles have soared in recent months. The Taliban and other militants have stepped up attacks as Afghan police and soldiers take over full responsibility for security and international forces draw down.

DuPage health officials investigating E. coli cases
By Marie WilsonDuPage County health officials said Saturday they are looking into at least four confirmed cases of E. coli infections likely stemming from one restaurant they have identified. The probe began after Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove admitted four patients with confirmed cases of the potentially deadly E. coli bacteria this week, spokesman Jim Silvestri said Saturday.

Blinded suburban veteran pedals into new challenge
By Jake GriffinDespite being blinded by roadside bomb in Iraq, U.S. Army veteran Steve Baskis has gone on to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, ski in Yellowstone and compete in Ironman triathlons. On Saturday, Baskis was ready to take on a new challenge, with the help of a new tandem bicycle.

Arlington Heights man charged with felony battery
Daily Herald reportA 26-year-old man faces felony aggravated domestic battery and unlawful restraint charges after authorities said he attacked his girlfriend at a home near Arlington Heights. Emanuel Bentley is being held in the Cook County jail in lieu of $100,000 bond.

McHenry Co. ‘most wanted’ fugitive arrested
Daily Herald ReportA Crystal Lake man wanted in connection with a Chicago bank robbery and listed as one of McHenry County Sheriff Office’s top 10 fugitives was arrested this week in McHenry.

Color guard team helps kids build skill, self-esteemBy John StarksWatching from across a gymnasium as his youth color guard rehearses, Eric Hall sees flags and other props clatter to the floor - but he sees only growth. He smiles, knowing the next try will be better, and the flag spinner will be hooked. This is how he builds his champion Allegiance Youth Color Guard of Dundee team. Hundreds of hours of spinning, throwing, falling flags, and then success and...

One more smartphone app: Finder of fish
Wisconsin State JournalA Wisconsin man teamed up with some software developers and geography consultant Geo Decisions to create Fishidy, a website and mobile application that anglers can use to chart their own fishing successes and failures and to pass the word along, but only to those they want to know.

Single mom downstate survives organ transplant
The (Alton) TelegraphSome say Coena Royal’s first name means “angel” in the Hawaiian territories. For her son, Eric, the single mom has literally been “an angel” in his mind through all the years. In 2012, Coena, 43, of Alton, was in dire straits, needing a pancreas and kidney transplant. If she hadn’t received the transplant on May 2, 2012, she likely would not have survived. She now calls May 2 her birthday and she...

Huntley woman, two children injured in crash
Daily Herald reportA 28-year-old Huntley woman and two juvenile passengers were listed in stable condition recovering from injuries suffered Friday in a single-vehicle rollover crash near Union. Investigators do not believe alcohol or drugs played a part in the crash, but driver distraction is suspected of playing a role.

Obama: Being a good father isn't easyAssociated PressPresident Barack Obama says there's no substitute for the love and support that fathers provide. In his weekly Internet and radio address, Obama is wishing Americans a happy Father's Day. He's laments that his own father wasn't around and says he's still working to be a better father.

Shock lingers after Nazi unit leader found in USAssociated PressThe revelation that a top former commander of a Nazi SS-led military unit has lived quietly in Minneapolis for the past six decades came as a shock to those who knew 94-year-old Michael Karkoc. World War II survivors in both the U.S. and Europe harshly condemned the news and prosecutors in Poland have said they'll investigate.

Fire leaves Palatine home uninhabitable
Daily Herald reportNo injuries were reported Friday after fire swept through a Palatine home, causing an estimated $50,000 in damage and leaving the residence uninhabitable. Firefighters called to the blaze in the 800 block of West Poplar Street about 5 p.m. found heavy smoke coming from the first floor and roof of the home.

Police: 1 dead, 7 hurt in 2nd La. plant blastAssociated PressDONALDSONVILLE, La. — A second blast in two days has killed a worker at a south Louisiana chemical plant, just miles from the site where two workers were killed a day earlier.The latest explosion also injured seven people, some severely, State Police Trooper Jared Sandifer said late Friday.

Some evacuations lifted in destructive Colo. fireAssociated PressFirefighters advanced against a monstrous wildfire outside of Colorado Springs, expanding containment lines and lifting evacuation orders for thousands of anxious residents in the most destructive blaze in state history, which has destroyed nearly 500 homes and killed two people.

Attorney confident Zimmerman jury seated soonAssociated PressA defense attorney in George Zimmerman's murder trial said at the end of the first week of jury selection that he thinks a jury could be seated by the middle of next week. After five days of the selection process, 29 potential jurors have passed through an initial round of questioning about what knowledge they have already gained through media and other means about the fatal shooting of...

Free Sunday parking to begin in ChicagoAssociated PressCHICAGO — Street parking is free in much of Chicago starting this weekend.The new reality is part of an agreement between the city of Chicago and Chicago Parking Meters. It was approved by the Chicago City Council on June 5.The "Sunday free zone" includes city neighborhoods and streets surrounding the downtown business district.

One of Indiana’s most dangerous convicts may be innocent The Indianapolis StarSarah Jo Pender spends about 22 hours of most days in a solitary 7-by-11-foot cell. Inmate No. 953968, sentenced to 110 years for double murder, is considered one of the most dangerous convicts at the Indiana Women’s Prison on the Far Westside of Indianapolis. Pender, 34, has long insisted she doesn’t belong behind bars. Legal experts and the former deputy prosecutor who won the...

Aurora’s RiverEdge ‘beautiful’ as it hosts first bandsBy Marie Wilson
“Beautiful” was a common word Friday night as Aurora’s RiverEdge Park hosted its grand opening for Blues on the Fox. The night was relaxing for thousands of guests, but stressful for a couple hundred staff members working behind the scenes. “We have an amazing system we need to tweak into place,” operations leader Jeremy Gehman said.

Kerri Strug in Elgin: Gymnastics teaches life skills By Elena Ferrarin
Jenny DeMatteis can now boast owning not one, but two T-shirts signed by Olympic gymnasts.The Bartlett resident was among about 100 people who got a chance meet two-time U.S. Olympian Kerri Strug on Friday afternoon at Midwest Elite Gymnastics Academy in Elgin.

Agencies swap intelligence with thousands of firms
By Michael Riley/Bloomberg NewsThousands of technology, finance and manufacturing companies are working closely with U.S. national security agencies, providing sensitive information and in return receiving benefits that include access to classified intelligence, four people familiar with the process said.

Nazi unit leader’s Minneapolis neighbors shocked
By Patrick Condon and Amy Forliti/Associated PressPoland’s National Remembrance Institute, which prosecutes wartime crimes, said its prosecutors would investigate Michael Karkoc’s “possible role” in crimes committed by the legion and would provide “every possible assistance” in gathering evidence for the U.S. justice system.

Bower School’s Patricia O’Connor treats more than bumps and bruisesBy Susan DibbleSchool nurse Patricia O'Connor doesn't just tape on Band-Aids and soothe kids with stomachaches at Bower Elementary School in Warrenville. She develops emergency plans for each special needs student, calms their anxieties about medical tests and even visits them in the hospital, along with serving on pediatric emergency care committees on the district and state level. O'Connor's dedication and...

Sports

Castro, Carter homer, Astros top White Sox 4-3 Associated PressHOUSTON — Jason Castro and Chris Carter homered in the fourth inning to give Houston the lead and the Astros held on for their third straight win, 4-3 over the White Sox on Saturday night.The game was tied 1-1 when Castro launched a solo homer into the bullpen in right-center to start the fourth inning. Carter's one-out homer clanged off the foul pole in left field to extend the lead to 3-1 and leave starter John Danks (1-3) shaking his head. It was the team-leading 14th homer for Carter, who also leads the Astros with 36 RBIs.Brandon Barnes drove in a run with a double in the fifth inning to make it 4-1.Adam Dunn hit his 18th homer to start the White Sox seventh and Gordon Beckham's ground-rule double later in the inning made it 4-3.Harrell (5-7) allowed seven hits and three runs with a season-high seven strikeouts in 6 2-3 innings. Danks yielded five hits and four runs in six-plus innings. The White Sox had runners at the corners with two outs in the eighth inning, but pinch-hitter Jeff Keppinger grounded into a force out to end the threat. Jose Veras pitched a scoreless ninth for his 13th save. He allowed a walk to start the ninth, but picked off pinch-runner Jordan Danks at second to end the game. The White Sox have dropped 11 of their last 12 on the road. Alexei Ramirez singled with one out in the first and stole second base. The White Sox took a 1-0 lead on a two-out RBI single by Paul Konerko.Harrell settled down after that, retiring the next 11 batters he faced. Chicago's next hit came when Beckham singled with one out in the fifth inning. But Harrell still faced the minimum in that inning after Tyler Flowers grounded into a double play. He threw a 1-2-3 sixth inning before running into trouble in the seventh. Dunn's sixth homer this month landed in the Crawford Boxes in left field to cut the lead to 4-2. Conor Gillaspie singled with one out and took second on an error by right fielder Trevor Crowe on the play. A ground-rule double by Beckham with two outs got Chicago within 4-3.Flowers singled to chase Harrell. He was replaced by Paul Clemens, who struck Alejandro De Aza to limit the damage. Danks plunked Carlos Pena with two outs in the second inning to end a career-long streak during which he retired 26 consecutive batters. Ronny Cedeno followed with a double that scored Pena to tie it at 1-all. The double was the first extra-base hit Danks had allowed in 12 2-3 innings.He got back on track after that and sat down the next four batters, with two strikeouts, causing frustration among Houston's hitters. Jose Altuve threw his bat angrily when he struck out on a full-count to end the third inning.Matt Dominguez singled down the left field line to start Houston's fifth. A run-scoring double by Barnes with one out that rolled into the corner of right field pushed Houston's lead to 4-1. NOTES: De Aza was back in the lineup a night after sitting out with a stomach ailment. ... The series continues on Sunday when Chicago's Hector Santiago opposes Dallas Keuchel.

Feldman does it all in Cubs' 5-2 win Associated PressJust about everything starter Scott Feldman did against the Mets on Saturday worked out. Feldman allowed two hits in seven innings and the Cubs beat the Mets 5-2. Feldman also hit a two-run single in the fourth, setting up a slow-motion scamper on the bases. "I didn't know what I was doing, actually," the Cubs pitcher said. "I kind of just decided to go I guess."

Whistle takes away Hawks goal in 1st
By Mike SpellmanOh, what might have been. Leading 1-0 on Patrick Sharp’s goal midway through the first period and looking in full control against a Boston team clearly on its heels, the Blackhawks looked like they had just applied a mini-dagger to the Bruins.

Kane says Hawks need to overcome Game 3 blahs
By Mike SpellmanPatrick Kane knew heading into Game 2 Saturday night at the United Center just how crucial a victory over Boston would be for the Blackhawks. And not just because the Hawks would go up 2-0 in the Stanley Cup Final and retain home-ice advantage in the process, but because Kane realized how his team had played in Game 3s thus far this postseason. In a couple of words: not good.

Rask’s brilliance keeps Bruins close
By Joe AguilarIf there were any “terrible” turnovers that Tuukka Rask observed through his goalie mask in the first period, he had no time to ponder them. Boston’s netminder was too busy stopping pucks. The Bruins were thankful for Rask that they trailed the Blackhawks only 1-0 after the opening 20 minutes in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final at the United Center on Saturday night.

Fatigue setting in with another OT?
By Joe AguilarEventually, even some of the best-conditioned athletes in the world succumb to exhaustion. Adrenaline plummets to “E.” Sweat-soaked hockey pads and gloves feel like sandbags on shoulders under a Sahara sun. After playing nearly three full overtimes in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Blackhawks and Bruins followed up by — what the heck — playing to a 1-1 draw in regulation time Saturday night at the United Center.

Cougars fall behind early, lose 11-5
Special to the Daily HeraldThe Kane County Cougars allowed 7 runs in the first two innings and fell 11-5 to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Saturday night at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. Dillon Maples (0-2) started for the Cougars (29-36) and did not make it out of the first inning. The righty walked four batters, including Mike Garza with the bases loaded.

Hawks drop Game 2 in OT
Associated PressCHICAGO — Daniel Paille scored in overtime and the Boston Bruins beat the Blackhawks 2-1 Saturday at United Center to tie the Stanley Cup Final at one game apiece.The Blackhawks failed to clear the puck along the boards. Tyler Seguin picked it up and delivered a cross-ice pass to Paille, who beat Corey Crawford on his glove side for the winner at 13:48 of the extra period.Game 3 is Monday at Boston.It’s the second consecutive year that the first two games of the finals have gone to overtime, this one coming after the Blackhawks won a triple-OT thriller 4-3 in Game 1.Crawford and Boston’s Tuukka Rask were outstanding in goal again after coming up big in the opener, turning away shot after shot in the extra period until Paille scored.Jaromir Jagr just missed scoring the game-winner in the opening minutes of OT when his shot from the right circle hit the right post, his second near miss in as many games. Chris Kelly, who scored in the second period for Boston, had a shot from the slot stopped by Crawford at 5:39 of overtime.Rask also stood his ground down the stretch, just as he did in the opening period, when Chicago simply fired away at him.

St. Viator leads all-star effort
By Chris WalkerSt. Viator was best represented in this year’s Class A all-star game at Sandburg in Orland Park on June 6 as Mike Julius, Dan O’Malley, Andrew Romano, Billy Spingola and Peter Trunk were selected to the team. O’Malley had a hat trick to lead the Black team, which was coached by St. Viator’s Bill Sanford, to a 16-8 victory over the White team.

Bruins star agrees Toews deserved award
By Tim SassoneNot even Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron could argue that Jonathan Toews wasn’t a deserving winner of the Selke Trophy. Toews took home the award Friday for being the NHL’s best defensive forward this season in a close vote over Bergeron, who actually had more first-place votes. “Jonathan had a terrific season and it’s well deserved for him, but it’s the last of my worries right now,” Bergeron said Saturday before Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Blackhawks’ Keith sees a more mature Kane
By Tim SassoneThere are no subjects off limits during the Stanley Cup Final, not even Patrick Kane’s reputation as a guy who loves a good party. “I think he’s always been a little bit misunderstood in some ways,” said Blackhawks teammate Duncan Keith. “Every guy likes to go out and have fun, especially when you’re a young guy. “He’s no different. Sometimes it just kind of got caught on camera, pictures, things like that. Maybe one incident sticks out in people’s heads.”

Phil Mickelson leads after 3rd round at U.S. Open Associated PressPhil Mickelson has the lead after three rounds at the U.S. Open. Mickelson shot an even-par 70 Saturday, including three birdies on the back nine, for a 1-under 209 total on the hard-to-read greens at Merion Golf Club.

Hawks’ small Shaw is big on heart
By Bob VerdiAndrew Shaw called it “luck,” attached to another emotional outburst for which he received unconditional absolution from Rocky Wirtz during a morning-after radio appearance by the Chairman of the Blackhawks. But as long as we’re on the subject, why not reach for a hat trick of rhymes and settle on “pluck”? Those who have observed his brief yet busy career will attest that Shaw, the “Pocket Pest” whose given weight of 180 pounds seems a bit lofty, has a competitive gene that leads him into areas where angels fear to tread.

Ovechkin wins third NHL MVP award
Associated PressAlexander Ovechkin has won his third Hart Trophy, given to the NHL’s most valuable player. The Washington Capitals winger beat out Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby and John Tavares of the New York Islanders for the award on Saturday night. Ovechkin also won the Hart in 2008 and 2009.

Bruins’ Horton set to play in Game 2
Associated PressBoston Bruins forward Nathan Horton will play in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup finals against the Blackhawks on Saturday night, three days after he left the series opener with an injury.

Major development for Fremd product Tauchman
By Marty MaciaszekMike Tauchman hopes he is on a Rockie road toward a big-league baseball career. It is a path the former Fremd High School baseball and football star has pursued for years. And it took a turn in the right direction last week when Tauchman was chosen by the Colorado Rockies in the 10th round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft after a stellar four-year career at Bradley University.

Business

Ex-CIA chief: Snowden leak ‘bad news’ for U.S. businesses By Kathleen Hunter/Bloomberg News“A country or a source that might be thinking of cooperating with the United States should have almost no confidence in our discretion or in our ability to keep a secret,” said ex-CIA and NSA chief Michael Hayden.

Google begins launching Internet-beaming balloons
Associated PressThe first person to get Google Balloon Internet access this week was Charles Nimmo, a farmer and entrepreneur in the small town of Leeston who signed up for the experiment. Technicians attached a bright red, basketball-size receiver resembling a giant Google map pin to the outside of his home.In a successful preliminary test, Nimmo received the Internet for about 15 minutes before the 49-foot-wide transmitting balloon he was relying on floated out of range.

Executives admit TV isn’t everywhere yet Associated PressTV was supposed to be everywhere by now — watchable anytime, anywhere, on your smartphone or tablet. But four years into the industry’s effort, network executives readily admit: TV isn’t everywhere. The promise of “TV Everywhere” has been a key strategy in the cable and satellite TV industry’s fight to retain customers in the face of challenges from online video providers such as Netflix.

Microsoft makes pitch to gamers with Xbox One E3 presentation
Bloomberg NewsMicrosoft Corp., under pressure to generate excitement among video-game enthusiasts for its coming Xbox One entertainment console, showed exclusive, hyper- realistic titles for the machine including “Sunset Overdrive” and “Ryse: Son of Rome.” at E3.

Apple revamps look of iPhone, iPad software
Associated PressApple is throwing out most of the real-world graphical cues from its iPhone and iPad software, like the casino-green “felt” of its Game Center app, in what it calls the biggest update since the iPhone’s launch in 2007.

Search for 1st Web page takes detour into NC
Associated PressThe scientists at the European Organization for Nuclear Research, known by its French acronym CERN, are searching for the first Web page. It was at CERN that Tim Berners-Lee invented the Web in 1990 as an unsanctioned project, using a NeXT computer that Apple co-founder Steve Jobs designed in the late 80s during his 12-year exile from the company.

Tech translations cheap, but not replacement for humans<
Associated PressAn Israeli startup says it has come up with a way to overcome language barriers when conducting international business: an automated service that provides quick translations between English and seven other languages with nothing more than a telephone. Preliminary tests by The Associated Press show, however, that while the service has promise, Lexifone doesn’t offer a major leap forward in translation technology.

Windows becomes the latest Best Buy store-in-store
Associated PressBest Buy is partnering with Microsoft to feature a store-within-a-store for its Windows products, the latest major consumer electronics retailer to acknowledge advantages of the brick-and-mortar format.

Companion apps, open worlds: 5 trends from E3
Associated PressFrom companion apps with the power to affect gameplay to racing games where players persistently speed across virtual roads, there’s several innovations on display at the Electronic Entertainment Expo this week that show off what designers are interested in when it comes to the next-generation of gaming with Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Microsoft’s Xbox One.

New Myspace takes it back to the future
Associated PressTim and Chris Vanderhook think Myspace had it right — at one point. And they believe they’ve revived and improved that formula for success as the revamped first titan of social media debuts its latest incarnation.

Cybersecurity fears raise medical-device standards
By The Washington PostThe Food and Drug Administration is tightening standards for a wide range of medical devices — from fetal monitors used in hospitals to pacemakers implanted in people — because of escalating concerns that the gadgets are vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches that could harm patients.

British lawmakers slam Google on taxes
By Bloomberg NewsBritish lawmakers attacked Google for defending a “highly contrived” strategy of booking advertising sales through Ireland to reduce its tax liability in Britain.

Zuckerberg defends Facebook IPO by touting mobile push
By Bloomberg NewsA year after Facebook’s bungled public market debut, Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg is still facing the wrath of ordinary investors holding stakes now worth a fraction of what they paid. He recently summed up the frustration of many, saying of the IPO: “I think it’s been a disaster.”

Japanese musician is artist of digital age By The Washington PostThe Japanese artist known as Hyadain is in demand. Popular idols commission songs from him and, now at the height of his popularity, he is frequently asked to appear on TV variety programs. His success is typical of the times — he popularized his music via video-sharing websites.

Life & Entertainment

Kim Kardashian, Kanye West welcome daughter Associated PressIt's official! The Kimye baby has arrived. E!Online reports that reality TV starlet Kim Kardashian, fresh off her divorce from Kris Humphries, gave birth to a daughter early Saturday morning in Los Angeles.

Surviving and thriving in summer camp By Sherry ManschotChoosing the right summer camp for your child is a big step – but it's just the first step. These tips – such as communicating with the staff and establishing a camp-day routine – will help your child have a positive camp experience.

Weekend picks: Show off haggis-hurling skills at Scottish FestBy Scott Morgan and Laura StewartMarvel at the competitions in heavy sports, Highland dancing and frozen haggis tossing at the 27th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games in Itasca. Four breweries invade Firkin in Libertyville Saturday for a beer tasting. Buddy Guy headlines the Blues on the Fox in Aurora. Head to the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre for the Luke Bryan: Dirt Road Diaries 2013 tour featuring Thompson Square and Florida Georgia Line.

5 free things in Cincinnati, from bridges to parksBy Amanda Lee Myers
With dueling nicknames of The Queen City for its beauty and Porkopolis for its love of, well, pork, Cincinnati cannot be pigeonholed. After decades of declining growth, Ohio's third-largest city is on a huge upswing, pumping billions of dollars into new development and revitalization. Although visitors can drop plenty of cash on a Reds or Bengals game, gambling in a new $400 million casino, or eating some of that much-loved pork, arguably the best things to do in Cincinnati are absolutely free.

Parker, Stone talk ‘South Park’ game at E3
Associated PressTrey Parker and Matt Stone have killed Kenny hundreds of times on “South Park,” but the video game based on their popular Comedy Central animated series is still very much alive. After being delayed for months, Ubisoft revealed Monday during its Electronic Entertainment Expo presentation that “South Park: The Stick of Truth” will be released this holiday season for current-generation PC and consoles. While at the Ubisoft booth Wednesday on the E3 show floor, the creators of the Broadway hit musical “The Book of Mormon” were lighthearted about the game’s road to release.

Betrayals abound in ‘The King’s Deception’
Associated PressCotton Malone returns in a thriller that combines history and gunfire in Steve Berry’s “The King’s Deception.” Malone arrives in England with his 15-year-old son, Gary, and a teenager named Ian. The CIA has a personal interest in Ian, and they ask Malone to escort him back to England from the United States. When they arrive, they find guns pointed in their faces, and the chase begins.

Buenos Aires launches tours honoring Argentine pope Associated PressYou can see the streets where he grew up and played soccer, the church where Jorge Bergoglio prayed as a teen and the cathedral where the man who would become Pope Francis said Mass. You can even visit the stand where he bought his newspapers and where he went for a haircut. The South American country's capital city has launched a series of guided tours to give visitors a glimpse of the places that formed Francis.

Divers volunteer on coral restoration in Florida Keys
By Suzette LaboyKen Nedimyer likes to say that he breathes new life into coral reefs. In fact, he’s been doing it for more than a decade, and recreational divers are volunteering in the effort. “We are trying to put Humpty Dumpty back together again,” said Nedimyer, whose Coral Restoration Foundation has planted four coral nurseries off the shores of the Florida Keys.

Don’t let Father Groppi’s story get lost
By Terri SchlichenmeyerIn the new book “Father Groppi: Marching for Civil Rights” (Wisconsin Historical Society Press, 2013) by Stuart Stotts, you’ll read about one peace-loving man who spoke up when he saw things that were wrong.

DVD previews: ‘Stoker’
The Washington PostComing out on DVD are the creepy thriller "Stoker" and the Dustin Hoffman-directed drama "Quartet."

Older couple with debt should talk to housing counselor
By Edith LankQ. We moved out of our home because we could not afford to pay our two home equity loans and the upkeep of the house. We moved to a one-bedroom apartment. The bank has been informed. We have mailed to the bank copies of our taxes, which we did not pay.

Insulated tub, shower liners update bath in one day
By Jean MurphyTaking a shower or bath in a tub that is less than pristine doesn’t enhance your feeling of cleanliness. Aging porcelain tubs, tile and grout can be difficult to keep clean. Solving this issue has been the business of Phoenix Bathtub Renewals Inc. of Cicero since 1984.

Attic space over garage is not counted as bedroom
By Dwight BarnettQ. We listed our home as having four bedrooms. After it was inspected, we were informed we could list only three bedrooms because the room over the garage did not have a door. If we were to add a door, could we again list the home as having four bedrooms?

Kid-friendly yard makes parents want to play, too
By Megan PatsavasMore and more, the concept of “play” becomes the focal point of stylish spaces, for both kids and adults. From interactive art installments to the in-home slide or dorm-room ball pit, people are finding ways to get creative and whimsical with play — without creating a plastic technicolor eyesore

Children starting to work with personal trainers
By Melynda FindlayBrian Peters actually smiles when he talks about pushing hundreds of pounds across the floor using a heavy sled during his workouts. “It’s kind of horrible, but it’s really effective,” said Brian, who just finished his sophomore year at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights.

Discuss

Medical marijuana is about quality of life
A Wheeling letter to the editor: Until you have to live in my world of constant and at times unbearable pain, maybe you should ask yourself, “Don’t I deserve something that will make my quality of life better without all the side effects that these prescriptions cause to the rest of my body?”

Address controversy over tallest building
An Arlington Heights letter to the editor: The iconic Empire State Building has been shown in millions of images since 1974. I’d like to see the controversy explained in depth. The Petronas Towers in Malaysia were deemed taller than the Sears Tower because of pinnacles atop the structure. Can the controversy be resolved?

Inflation in food prices often hidden
A Mount Prospect letter to the editor: Inflation has been diabolically sneaking up on us through the food chain. Check the net content weights on your food labels; you may be in for many nasty surprises.

Let’s ban the phrase ‘women and children’
A Rolling Meadows letter to the editor: When such tragedies strike, whatever their nature, it should always be, “ ... including children.” To single out either gender for special mention along with children is an affront to both genders. It belittles the omitted gender and declares the specified gender as just like children.

How about no
pensions for pols?
A St. Charles letter to the editor: I have an idea. Rather than pushing for term limits for elected offices (which seems to be no nearer today than ever), why not a law that no elected office in this country, at any level, shall have a pension paid for by taxpayers?

Editorial cartoon spews hate message
A Wood Dale letter to the editor: Normally I don’t comment on political cartoons as many are the fantasies of those out of touch with reality. However, the cartoon in the June 12 Daily Herald crossed a line. It not so subtly indicated that the GOP was racist, sexist and homophobic (to use liberal terminology).